Some research suggests that infant swimming in chlorinated pools might increase the risk of lower respiratory tract infections or asthma, but there isn't enough information conclusively linking infant swimming and asthma to warrant keeping healthy babies out of indoor pools.

Researchers theorize that chlorine — a common disinfectant used to keep pools clean — binds with swimmers' sweat and urine to create byproducts in the water and air that might harm an infant's lungs and put him or her at risk of developing asthma. Indoor pools have higher concentrations of these byproducts than do outdoor pools. Babies are thought to be at particular risk because they are likely to spend time in small, heavily polluted pools, their lungs are still developing and they tend to swallow irritant-laden water while swimming.

Studies examining the relationship between infant swimming and asthma, however, have produced conflicting results and further research is needed.

If your baby participates in infant swimming in indoor pools and you're concerned about asthma, opt for a well-ventilated facility. Ideally, staff members will open doors and windows in the pool area and use fans to boost airflow over the surface of the pool when it's crowded. Also, be sure to rinse yourself and your baby in the shower before entering and after leaving the pool to reduce the formation of irritants in the water and on the body.

With

Matthew Rank, M.D.

References

Irritants (chloramines) and indoor pool air quality. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/irritants.htm. Accessed April 7, 2014.

Voisin C, et al. Risks of new-onset allergic sensitization and airway inflammation after early age swimming in chlorinated pools. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2014;217:38.

Font-Ribera L, et al. Swimming pool attendance, respiratory infections and infections in the first year of life. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2013;172:977.

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